When Najwa Al-Amin was a child, she often traveled alongside her father, an Iraqi poet, to Egypt, Morocco, Lebanon and United Arab Emirates. Her late father became one of her mentors and introduced her to art and literature. Now living in the Baltimore area, Al-Amin brings her oil paintings to Gallery 211 on 211 East Fort Ave. in Baltimore.

“I love colors,” wrote Al-Amin in her artist statement. “They make life brighter. Pablo Picasso said, ‘Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.’ Growing up I forgot about the artist me. One day I decided to look deep into my own self for that forgotten artist, I found her, and the artist became my whole being, ever since.”

Al-amin’s exhibit will be on display through Aug. 9. For details about Al-Amin’s work, click here or call 410-244-1340.